THE NEAR-SILENT CLEAN MACHINE
Written: Mar 22 '06 (Updated Mar 22 '06)
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Pros: Quiet!. Excellent cleaning performance. Solid construction.
Cons: Limited loading flexibility.
The Bottom Line: I don't think you can find a better performing dishwasher that is constructed this well for less.
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| mobius8's Full Review: Bosch SHU43 24 in. Built-in Dishwasher |
Purchase date: December 2005
Review date: March 2006
Model purchased: SHU43C05UC (STAINLESS)
Purchased at: Lowe's Home Improvement
When it came time to purchase a new dishwasher I headed down to Lowe's and selected & purchased a very nice model from Frigidaire (FDB2810LDC) because it matched my new range. But, after going home and checking some reviews and double-checking my measurements I decided to go back and change to this model from BOSCH.
I had this unit installed by Lowe's and the installation went great.
Once the dishwasher was installed I was eager to find out if it was as good as I had read. I loaded my new BOSCH with some nasty items that had been sitting in the sink. I threw in the detergent (powder is recommended) and the rinse-aid (required), selected the "normal" cycle (110 minutes) and started it up. Of course the unit is extremely quiet at 54db, all you hear is a tiny hum.
When the countdown timer had reached "0" and the "sanitized" indicator was illuminated I knew the cycle was complete. I allowed a bit of time for the dishes to dry and opened the dishwasher and was pleasantly surprised by the fresh scent that filled the dishwasher. I used the same detergent I have always used and I had never noticed that fresh scent in my old dishwasher. The dishwasher cleans very, very well.
Now, let me tell you a bit about how a BOSCH dishwasher works so that you are not surprised if you purchase one.
-Pass through heating.
BOSCH dishwashers heat the water as it cycles through the dishwasher rather than using the heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher to heat the water as it splashes over that element. As a matter of fact, there is no heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher.
The result is more efficient heating and higher water temperatures, up to 161 degrees F on the "power scrub plus" cycle. The reason: hotter water cleans better.
-Condensation drying
No heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher interior means NO HEATED DRY. To me this is great because you can put plastic items anywhere in the dishwasher on any cycle and they will not be damaged.
When a cycle is complete, there is warm moist air trapped in the dishwasher. The stainless sides of the dishwasher stay a bit cooler and so the water collects there and runs down to the bottom. If you allow sufficient time for this process to take place, almost all of the items you put in will come out dry. But, just like any dishwasher, if you open the dishwasher soon after the cycle is complete then the items will still be wet.
-No hard food disposer
This is a feature that is highly touted by almost all other manufactures. And it is a feature that frankly is not needed (in my opinion). As long as you scrape your plates and bowls off before placing them in the dishwasher you don't need a hard food disposer. If you happen to have bits of food left on the plate then they will collect in the little solid waste collector at the bottom of your BOSCH. Most organic materials will eventually be broken down by the enzymes in your detergent and will drain out. You may have to remove this little collector and dump it in the trash every so often. I have only needed to empty mine once in 3 months.
So there's what I think you need to know about BOSCH dishwashers in general. Now, back to this model.
My only complaint is that this particular model can be somewhat difficult to load, at least until you get the hang of it.
Main reasons: no fold away tines in bottom rack and silverware basket only has one location, smack in the middle.
There are other models from BOSCH that have a large silverware basket that can split off into 2 sections and those sections can be placed almost anywhere in the dishwasher.
So, it just takes a bit of creativity to load this particular model effectively.
Let me quickly cover some of the features:
-4 cycles (Power Scrub Plus, Regular, Quick, Rinse & Hold)
-Easy 1 touch operation (great for anyone that has poor eyesight or blindness)
-Nylon coated racks (very durable)
-Adjustable/removable upper rack (2 positions for various loading options or remove for extra tall items in bottom rack)
And now a few specs:
-Power Scrub Plus cycle, 138 minutes, min 6.4 - max 8.8 gallons, 161 degrees F (sanitized).
-Regular Wash, 110 minutes, min 4.4 - max 7.6 gallons, 140 degrees wash & 155 rinse (sanitized).
-Quick Wash, 35 minutes, 3.1 gallons, 104 degrees wash & 140 rinse.
-Rinse & Hold, 9 minutes, 1.3 gallons, no additional water heating.
-54db noise level
Overall I believe this to be an excellent dishwasher that performs well and is solidly constructed. I expect many years of trouble free use. And if you read and understand how this dishwasher works I think you will be pleased as well.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 649.00
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Epinions.com ID:
mobius8
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Location: Georgia, USA
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Me buy stuff. Me review. You buy...or not.
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